It’s a sunlit afternoon. You are riding a bicycle, and then, a sudden screech of brakes, and your skin meets the charcoal, and there you go with a skinned knee. Wasn’t it like a badge of honor for every adventure-loving kid?
If you are a parent, you are no stranger to seeing the sight of a ‘skinned knee.’ It is a collective memory of our childhoods, beginning with an ‘ouch.’
Let’s discuss how to treat a skinned knee at home.
Table of Contents
What are the Symptoms of a Skinned Knee?
You should know what a skinned knee looks like to care for and monitor it properly. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
Pain and Tenderness
The injured area is likely tender and may cause discomfort or pain, especially when touched.
However, pain is a subjective experience, and you may feel it more or less intensely depending on how severe an injury you have.
Redness and Swelling
The skinned area may appear red and swollen due to the body’s natural inflammatory response to the injury.
Mild redness and swelling are usual parts of the healing process, but excessive or worsening symptoms may point toward a problem.
Bleeding
Skinned knees often result in minor bleeding. The bleeding is usually superficial. You can stop it with applied pressure. If bleeding persists or is excessive, you may think of getting yourself checked by a doctor.
Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Lahore. You can consult with him if you think there’s something wrong with the knee joint after the injury.
Scrapes and Abrasions
When you get a knee injury, the outer layer of skin gets scraped away, exposing the underlying tissue. The wound may look raw or have a “grazed” appearance.
You should clean and protect the scraped area carefully to prevent infection.
Difficulty Walking or Moving the Knee
You may face discomfort or difficulty in walking or moving the joint. It all depends on the location and severity of the injury.
If you feel your movement is significantly impaired or you feel persistent pain, consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
Heat at the Injured Site
The injured area may feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
Mild warmth is a normal part of the body’s healing response, but excessive heat may indicate inflammation or infection.
Presence of Debris
Foreign objects such as dirt, gravel, or clothing fibers may be visible in the scraped area.
Thoroughly cleaning the wound to remove debris is essential to prevent infection.
Signs of Infection
Watch for signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or the development of pus.
If you observe any of these symptoms, consult a doctor.
Suggested Read: Suffering from Knee Joint Pain? Try These Home Remedies!
Steps to Treat a Skinned Knee at Home
Children are prone to injuries due to careless and reckless playing. As a parent, properly caring for a skinned knee at home is a valuable skill that you should know. Timely dealing with an injured knee can speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
Let’s walk through some of the steps to deal with a scraped knee at home:
Wash Your Hands
Before you touch the skinned knee, it’s pertinent to wash your hands thoroughly. It is a simple step, but it’s crucial to prevent introducing additional bacteria or germs to the wound. Taking care of hygiene reduces the risk of further infection.
Stop the Bleeding
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. Elevate the injured leg if possible, as this can also help minimize blood flow to the wound.
If bleeding persists after several minutes, you should seek professional medical help.
Wash the Scrape
Rinse the skinned area with mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Use a gentle touch and avoid scrubbing too hard, which can further irritate the wound.
Pat the area dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Remove Debris
Inspect the scraped area carefully for any remaining debris, like dirt or tiny rocks. Use clean tweezers to remove any foreign objects embedded in the wound gently.
If the debris is hard to reach or the wound is deep, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
Once the wound is clean, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. This step helps prevent infection and promotes a moist healing environment.
Be cautious not to use excessive ointment, as it can impede healing.
Apply a Bandage
Cover the skinned knee with a sterile bandage or adhesive strip. It shields the wound from further contamination and provides a protective barrier.
Change the bandage regularly, especially if it becomes wet or dirty.
Watch Out for Infection
Monitor the skinned knee for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If these symptoms occur, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Moreover, watch for signs of a more severe injury, such as persistent bleeding or intense pain.
How Long Does it Take to Recover a Scraped Knee?
Here’s a general guideline for the stages of recovery:
Immediate Care
Time Frame: The first day or two after the injury.
During this initial period, the focus is on stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound, and applying basic first aid, such as antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
Inflammation and Early Healing
Time Frame: The first few days to a week.
The body responds to the injury with inflammation, causing redness, swelling, and warmth around the scraped area. The wound starts the early stages of healing with a protective layer.
Continued Healing
Time Frame: One to two weeks.
The wound continues to heal, and the skin may scab over. During this time, you should keep the area clean, change bandages regularly, and avoid activities that could reopen the wound.
Scabbing and Scar Formation
Time Frame: Two weeks to a few months.
As the skin heals, a scab may form. It’s essential to resist the urge to pick at the scab, which can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring. Over time, the scab will naturally fall off, and a scar may remain.
Complete Healing
Time Frame: Several weeks to months.
By this time, your knee will heal fully, and the scar, if any, will gradually fade over time. If you still feel signs of infection or bleeding or can see inside the wound, get medical help. You can book an appointment with one of the best general physicians in Pakistan via Healthwire’s platform.
